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An oasis in a city of crime

If you are vacationing in Marseille (I can think of far better, safer places to have a holiday), then The Pullman Palm Beach is a good alternative. Because it is a little way out of town, it is safer, and you don't have miscreants sauntering outside the premises.
The hotel/resort is not cheap but then it is worthwhile as the facilites are great, the place is spacious, most rooms look out onto the bay and all in all it is a very good place to stay. The views at sunset is stunning.
However, keep in mind that it is about 30 minutes from Marseilles, even when traffic is light. If you get the urge to go into Marseille itself (I would advise against it even though there are areas that are very interesting) and if you have to use a cab because you don't have a car then be very careful that you don't get ripped off. Marseilles cabs are notorious at 'not knowing the direct route', or, 'oh, I didn't know that this road was closed and we'll have to take a roundabout route', etc. (What, no communication between cabbies in Marseille?!)
I don't know how to advise you to stop you being ripped off, as this is a way of life in Marseille.
Driving is also hazardous in Marseille and another guest at the hotel had an awful experience of a passenger in his car having a handbag...If you are vacationing in Marseille (I can think of far better, safer places to have a holiday), then The Pullman Palm Beach is a good alternative. Because it is a little way out of town, it is safer, and you don't have miscreants sauntering outside the premises.The hotel/resort is not cheap but then it is worthwhile as the facilites are great, the place is spacious, most rooms look out onto the bay and all in all it is a very good place to stay. The views at sunset is stunning.However, keep in mind that it is about 30 minutes from Marseilles, even when traffic is light. If you get the urge to go into Marseille itself (I would advise against it even though there are areas that are very interesting) and if you have to use a cab because you don't have a car then be very careful that you don't get ripped off. Marseilles cabs are notorious at 'not knowing the direct route', or, 'oh, I didn't know that this road was closed and we'll have to take a roundabout route', etc. (What, no communication between cabbies in Marseille?!)I don't know how to advise you to stop you being ripped off, as this is a way of life in Marseille.Driving is also hazardous in Marseille and another guest at the hotel had an awful experience of a passenger in his car having a handbag ripped from them whilst sitting in the backseat of the car! Door closed but not locked. The thief rode off on the back of a scooter ridden by his accomplice. Crime is very well organised in Marseille!Let's get back to more pleasant things - the food at the Pullman is tasty, well-presented and served by friendly and efficient staff. The swimming pool and spa are a delight and there is a nice atmosphere prevailing. Sometimes, however, at low tide, there is an awful smell given off by the seaweed and rubbish in the cove.More

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Stayed: September 2012, traveled with family

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Ask WellTravelledAussie2 about nhow Marseille at Palm Beach

1 Thank WellTravelledAussie2

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

A beach holiday in Marseille might seem rather an eccentric choice, but it is definitely a possibility if you stay at the Pullman. The hotel occupies a fabulous position between the Corniche road and the sea. Reception is on the top floor, at street level, but the restaurant, bar and pool are two floors beneath, with a fine view of the sea, the Chateau d'If and the Calanques headland. Most of the rooms seem to have some sort of sea view , and essentially the hotel is built so as to turn its back completely on the the heat, noise and traffic of the city that surrounds it. It is convenently located close to the Prado beaches, with their incredible array of (largely ethnic) restaurants, and the 83 bus takes you to the Vieux Port in about 25 minutes.

The hotel is modern and comfortable. Our room had a balcony and sea view, although the room itself was not particularly large. It did have a Nespresso machine, however, which was a nice touch. Our room rate included breakfast, which is otherwise a very expensive option. However, it was worth every penny - it was one of those breakfasts that carried you through the day without needing lunch!

The pool is large and fed by spring water, so it is a pleasant temperature. The restaurant overlooks the sea, and dining on the terrace, with the sun setting over the Chateau d'If, was very atmospheric. We had the set menu which was perfectly adequate and not too pricy.

The hotel staff were polite and helpful. We were leaving Marseille by a late evening flight and the management had no problem in allowing us to keep our room until late afternoon without extra charge.

Although the Pullman is probably full of business meetings and conferences during the season, it is a great place to while away a few summer days on the doorstep of one of the great Meditterranean cities.

Stayed: August 2012, traveled as a couple

Ask owen100 about nhow Marseille at Palm Beach

5 Thank owen100

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

We arrived to have valet parking, our luggage taken to our room, excellent and professional service at reception, a heart made from rose petals on the bed, a complimentary half bottle of champagne and fresh fruit delivered to our room and a personal note and gift from the General Manager offering his congratulations. We've stayed here before and know Marseille well, preferring to be away from the Vieux Port although close enough to drive. We always eat out and there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance although as we always do, a quick drive over to Cassis is a great spot for one night for dinner by the sea.

Our experience and the service provided throughout our stay at the hotel was excellent and made us really feel like we were on honeymoon. I would happily recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a few nights away and it's a great base for seeing Marseille. As with most hotels of this standard we received a very good rate by booking well in advance. If you have breakfast included in your rate, it costs no more to have it in your room and the selection is great.

Thanks again for everything!

Room Tip: Book a room with a balcony and sea view. It's not much more money but definitely worth it!

Stayed: September 2012, traveled as a couple

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Ask jpinchbeck about nhow Marseille at Palm Beach

1 Thank jpinchbeck

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

My wife and I stayed in the hotel for a weekend away. The location by the sea is superb, with great views of the islands and of the mountains surrounding Marseille. The room was comfortable, with a pleasant small balcony, and the service was very friendly, from reception to restaurant to general housekeeping. The restaurant in the evening was quiet, but the breakfast was excellent. The swimming pool is really beautiful and a pleasure to use.

Stayed: September 2012, traveled as a couple

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Ask RichardMacB about nhow Marseille at Palm Beach

Thank RichardMacB

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

I stayed in the Hotel for a quick business trip and while it seems to be well located and with good facilities, it does not seem to be a 4 star hotel and at 325 Euro including breakfast it is completely out of propertion in comparison with the Hotel (as a reference a paid less for an stay in Chicago in the Trump Hotel, which is one of the best hotels I have stayed ever and it is real a 5 star hotel.My recommendation, do not pay this price to be in this hotel, it is not worthy

Stayed: September 2012, traveled on business

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Ask Ricardo B about nhow Marseille at Palm Beach

Thank Ricardo B

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

The bad (most): Not a good visit if you are English speaking. The only staff that spoke English well was reception. The wait staff, room service, etc. was very hard to communicate with and despite our best polite efforts would get quite frustrated with us and they were very rude. The hotel restaurant menu is very limited and overpriced. The food was poorly prepared and often cold - in restaurant and room service. Tip is included, so perhaps this is why wait staff was so unattentive and rude when we did not order a large amount of drinks and food. Hotel is also not in great area for things to do, it is not in the city center and the urban area it is in is quite run down.

The good: the hotel is in a very scenic location with beautiful mountains and on Mediterranean water. The pool is also very nice and the rooms were decent quality.

Stayed: August 2012, traveled as a couple

Ask the_real_stc about nhow Marseille at Palm Beach

3 Thank the_real_stc

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.